U.S. premiere of ‘The Listeners’ by Missy Mazzoli depicts life in a cult at Opera Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – Missy Mazzoli received an Opera Philadelphia composing commission around the time Donald Trump first ran for president, inspiring her to focus on a sect with devoted followers as the foundation for her opera with librettist, Royce Vavrek.

“The role of a charismatic leader in our society, the need to feel like you’re part of a tribe, part of community,” she said. “And just the idea of turning an opera chorus into a cult seemed really juicy.”

Mazzoli and Vavrek created “The Listeners,” a two-hour expose of psychological manipulation that had its U.S. premiere at the Academy of Music, following its initial performances at the Norwegian National Opera. The opera portrays a school teacher who hears an unknown low-pitched hum, becomes alienated from her family, and falls under the spell of a charismatic leader named Paul Devon (baritone Paul Cook).

“It just opened my eyes to how people are so interested in joining cults and feeling that sense of relationship with other people and connection and how sad, how lonely people are out there,” said soprano Nicole Heaston, who plays the lead role of Claire Devon. “They need that one person to say, ‘I’m going to make this OK for you.'”

Bringing in New Opera Audiences

In an effort to attract new audiences, Opera Philadelphia’s “pick your price” initiative offered tickets for $11 during general director Anthony Roth Costanzo’s first season. The premiere of “The Listeners” drew a crowd of 1,862, which included 58% first-time attendees.

The production, filled with profane language and intense situations, sparked audience engagement, including laughter, applause, and lively interactions with projected online commentary. The reaction in Philadelphia contrasted with the more subdued response in Norway.

How ‘The Listeners’ Came to Life

Mazzoli, a native of Lansdale, PA, and Vavrek met in 2009 and collaborated on several works, including “The Listeners.” The idea for the opera stemmed from Vavrek’s concept, developed with Canadian author Jordan Tannahill, based on the dynamics of cults and human relationships.

Inspired by real-life cult stories, Mazzoli and Vavrek created a gripping narrative with a large cast and immersive sound design. The opera explores themes of manipulation, loneliness, and the human desire for connection.

Next Steps for ‘The Listeners’

Following its Philadelphia premiere, “The Listeners” will be performed in Essen, Germany, and Chicago. Mazzoli and Vavrek are also working on new projects, including an opera based on George Saunders’ novel and a piece about the opioid crisis.